Review: Gladiator 2
Director Ridley Scott’s story is a gripping masterpiece. It shows how power and wealth are a deadly combination and the levels to which politicians will stoop to gain both. The story, although an imaginary one, is quite informative and gives you a reasonably good understanding of how society prevailed back then.
Film: Gladiator 2
Director:Ridley Scott
Cast: Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington,Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, Derek Jacobi and Connie Nielsen among others
Cinematography: John Mathieson
Music: Harry Gregson Williams
Rating: 4 stars
Director Ridley Scott, who gave the world a classic film called Gladiator in 2000, comes up with a sequel that is far more spectacular than the first part. The film is truly worthy of adulation and praise.
The story of Ridley Scott’s sequel revolves around Lucius Verus (Pau Mescal), the son of the brave but betrayed Roman general Maximus (Russell Crowe) who dies a gladiator in the colosseum in Part 1.
Sixteen years after the passing away of Roman emperor Aurelius, two tyrants are in power. One is Emperor Greta (Joseph Quinn) and his brother emperor Caracalla (Fred Hechinger). As always, the brothers are intent on waging wars and enslaving the last few free territories around the world — all for the “glory of Rome”. One such place is Numidia, which is the last free city in the continent of Africa. A Roman fleet, commanded by Acacius, a Roman general with a conscience, is despatched to wage a campaign against Numidia. Acacius emerges victorious and among those whom he captures as prisoners of war is Lucius Verus. Lucius’s fighting skills do not go unnoticed by ambitious Roman noble Macrinus, who buys gladiators and fields the in the colosseum. What happens then is what the film is all about…
Director Ridley Scott’s story is a gripping masterpiece. It shows how power and wealth are a deadly combination and the levels to which politicians will stoop to gain both. The story, although an imaginary one, is quite informative and gives you a reasonably good understanding of how society prevailed back then.
The plot’s complexity primarily arises from the complex nature of the people involved in the developments.Therefore, the developments in the plot are intricate and unexpected. Under normal circumstances, one would expect a story with intricate developments to be taxing. But Gladiator 2 surprisingly does the opposite. It wins your admiration. Full marks to director Ridley Scott for narrating with such precision and clarity a story so complex as Gladiator 2 that you as audience understand every single development in the plot the way it was exactly intended. As a result, you are able to appreciate the script and the work that has gone into developing it.
Technical aspects:
The film is a visual treat to watch. Certain sequences such as the fleet of warships making their way to capture Numidia are a sight to behold. So striking and sharp are the images that you feel yourself being teleported to the scene of battlefield.
The art direction department must be mentioned for the outstanding work that they have done in recreating a city like Rome. From the colosseum where the gladiators fight to the lavish palaces of the emperors to the streets of Rome, almost everything that appears in the film looks real.
Performances:
The film has a number of fantastic performances to offer. But the pick of the performances is that of Denzel Washington, who, as Macrinus, just commands your attention from the time he first appears on screen till the film’s end. Denzel Washington’s dialogue delivery and his expressions make one forget that they are looking at an actor playing his part. Instead, all you see on screen is a greedy Noble, who will stop at nothing and who will stoop to any level to climb the corridors of power.
Paul Mescal, who plays Lucius Verus, delivers what is necessary for his part. Other actors too deliver commendable performances.
Verdict:
Director Ridley Scott delivers a second part that is more commendable and spectacular than his first part. Gladiator 2 is a must watch.
